The event season starts off hot this weekend with Roosevelt Row's second annual Chile Pepper Festival, and if that doesn't strike your fancy, know that Oktoberfest celebrations are in full swing. There's still enough time for one last summer road trip though, and we've got a few good reasons to get out of town this weekend.

Chile Pepper Festival Saturday, September 28

The chile pepper is a great agricultural ambassador for our region, with its wide variety of flavors and potential uses. This weekend, Roosevelt Row will celebrate the pepper by hosting its second annual Chile Pepper Festival, offering local restaurants and chefs chance to achieve fiery hot glory in a Salsa Showdown. Attendees will be able to sample dozens of types of salsas and help crown a 2013 Salsa Challenge Title Holder. And when you're looking for something to offset all that heat, grab a brew or two from the Deschutes Beer Garden. Join the fest from 5 to 11 p.m. at the A.R.T.S. Market in downtown Phoenix. Tickets cost $15 a person. For more information the Roosevelt Row Chile Pepper Festival website.

Dozens of breweries from Arizona and all over the country are gathering in Tucson this weekend for the 27th Annual Great Tucson Beer Fest. The event, which will be held at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, includes snacks and food samples from local eateries, as well as games and live music from 80's and Gentlemen. Participating breweries include Tucson's Barrio Brewery, southern California's Coronado Brewing Company, Phoenix's Old World Brewery, and Tempe's Sleepy Dog Brewing. General admission tickets cost $45 and can be purchased online. Tickets will cost $50 at the door. For more information, visit the Sun Sounds Great Tucson Beer Festival website.